On March 7, 2023, a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Remote/Telework Enhancements to Enterprise Human Resources Integration Data Files, detailed new requirements in order to document remote work or use of telework. In accordance with the memo, all agencies are now required to utilize a new data element, in the form of a two-letter code, that captures employee remote and telework agreement types. OPM’s goal is for the new data element to provide deeper and improved granularity into understanding the workforce characteristics.
When positions are filled, classified, or established, an appropriate remote/telework code must be documented on the Commerce Department (CD) 516 form by the employee’s supervisor, or the appropriate point of contact. The CD-516 form has been updated to include a dropdown for telework codes.
Upon processing the CD-516 the new remote/telework codes will be documented in the National Finance Center (NFC) system and will then transfer to OPM’s Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) system.
Remote/Telework Codes
Mobile Work Agreement – A written agreement supporting work that is characterized by routine and regular travel to customer or other worksites as opposed to a single authorized alternative worksite. Examples of mobile work include site audits, site inspections, investigations, property management, and work performed while commuting, traveling between worksites, or on Temporary Duty (TDY).
Non-teleworker-An employee who is ineligible or who chooses to not participate in the agency’s telework program.
Remote Work Agreement -A written agreement in which an employee is scheduled to perform their work at an alternative worksite and is not expected to report to an agency worksite on a regular and recurring basis. A remote work agreement requires a change in duty station to the alternative worksite (e.g., home)
Frequent Routine Telework Agreement-A written telework agreement that occurs as part of an ongoing regular schedule 3 or more days per pay period, but not every workday (e.g., remote work).
Periodic Routine Telework Agreement-A written telework agreement that occurs as part of an ongoing regular schedule 1-2 days per pay period.
Situational Telework Agreement-A written telework agreement that is approved on a case-by-case basis and the hours worked are not part of a previously approved, ongoing, and regular telework schedule. Examples of situational telework include telework as a result of inclement weather, doctor appointment, or special work assignments. Situational telework is sometimes also referred to as episodic, intermittent, unscheduled, or ad-hoc telework.